Taiwan is now visa-free for Filipinos

Taiwan, one of the more influential SouthEast Asian countries will be visa-free for Filipinos starting November 1, 2017. Yes, you read that right, Filipinos can now enter Taiwan without registering for a VISA. A representative of Taipei said the statement today. Furthermore, the representative also said that this is for the betterment of travel; business, vacation, etc.

“Philippine nationals who intend to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the purpose of tourism, business, visiting relatives, attending functions or events can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan, ROC, for a duration of stay up to 14 days,” said by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in a statement.

According to them, this visa-free initiative is for Filipinos. Moreover, this is aimed for "building closer people-to-people exchange between the Philippines and Taiwan." This will have a nine-month trial period to test its capabilities. The trial period will run until the 31st of July 2018.

Gary Song-Huann Lin, representative of Taiwan to the Philippines, said “The Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also Taiwan’s important partner of ‘new southbound policy.”
As per Lin, this new update is for Filipinos to build and develop “strong bilateral relations and a closer living economic community between the Philippines and Taiwan.”
Of course, there are certain requirements for Filipinos in order for them to be subject to this new law. Yes, you would need to pass certain qualifications so you can enter Taiwan without a VISA:

Regular passport with remaining validity of at least six (6) months from the date of entry ( Diplomatic & official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment);

A return ticket or a ticket for the traveler's next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required;

No criminal record in Taiwan

A proof of accommodation, such as booking or host/sponsor’s contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting

Those who are planning to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days are still required to obtain a VISA granting access to Taiwan; for any purpose like, study, employment, missionary, etc.

In addition to these statements, Lin urged the Philippines to reciprocate Taiwan's "goodwill and friendship." This is by granting visa-free treatment to nationals of Taiwan.

“Through these significant efforts, we will surely enhance our bilateral tourism, economic, cultural, educational and other areas of cooperation and exchanges which will eventually bring mutual benefits to the peoples of Taiwan and the Philippines” Lin said.

With this newly adjusted visa-free entry state, the TECO said that the Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) will be suspended starting the 1st of November. To give you a better explanation, Taiwan has entertained its visa policy for Philippine nationals; this is through its free “Travel Authorization Certificate” (TAC), wherein eligible applicants are given visas of multiple-entry valid for three (3) month. In addition, it allows single stays of up to 30 days if they hold permanent resident certificates issued by the following countries:

Australia;

Canada;

Japan;

Korea;

New Zealand;

Schengen Agreement signatories;

The United Kingdom; and

United States

However, passengers who will enter Taiwan before this date with valid TACs may continue to stay up to 30 days.
With this new system in place, people can easily enter Taiwan for vacation. Although there are people who have obtained long-term permanent and multiple Taiwan visas that are already stamped; these people can still use their VISAs.